Several members currently on the New York Knicks' roster are on thin ice with the team in rebuilding mode. Team president Phil Jackson is prepared to trade anyone he can get a good deal for and at the top of that list is Jose Calderon. The veteran point guard never truly lived up to expectations after getting traded from the Dallas Mavericks. Aware that his time in the Big Apple might be over, Calderon is pitching his case to stay put.
According to the New York Post, Calderon has requested to remain with the Knicks throughout the rebuilding process, vowing to better himself and the team in the process.
"One hundred percent, we didn't see the Jose Calderon I was all these years,'' Calderon said, via The Post. "Personally, [I was] just disappointed how it was individually because I can do a much better job. And I didn't get it right. The only good thing about it, I know I'm going to be much better next season. I know what they want, I know what they want from me and how it's going to work. Hopefully I'll get better with [avoiding] injuries.''
Calderon is entering the final two years of a contract that will pay him $15.1 million. The Knicks have been shopping the point guard since the mid-season deadline and nothing came from the talks. According to ESPNNewYork.com's Ian Begley, Jackson was disappointed the Knicks could not get a trade for Calderon. One is expected to take place this summer as New York plans to target players like Rajon Rondo and Goran Dragic who will command top contracts.
Langston Galloway is not helping Calderon's status with New York. The rookie came onto the scene and was one of the lone bright spots of the Knicks' disappointing year. Galloway was rewarded with a contract that lasts through next season and is much cheaper to keep on than Calderon's deal. The Knicks will likely be very comfortable trading Calderon, retaining Galloway and signing a marquee point guard.
Carmelo Anthony told ESPN.com that he wants a veteran point guard next season over a rookie. The Knicks are likely to land a top-five draft pick, but the team star does not want a point guard drafted with that pick. Anthony made it clear that the point guard position is a more difficult transition for players and he prefers an established star at the spot.